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It is not yet known if Vermentino nero is a dark-berried color mutation of Vermentino (pictured).

The exact origins of Vermentino nero is not yet known. There are some ampelographers who believe that the grape is a color mutation of the widely planted white Vermentino grape (known as Pigato in neighboring Liguria and Favorita in Piedmont) and maybe native to the Massa-Carrara region in Tuscany. Other ampelographers believe that the grape may have Spanish origins and could be a relative of Monastrell and Parraleta. So far DNA analysis has not been able to produce evidence to support or cast doubt on either theory.[1]

Like many Italian varieties, plantings of Vermentino nero sharply declined during the early 20th century as the conflicts of the era took its toll on viticulture throughout the country. By the end of World War II, Vermentino nero was on the verge of extinction until a Massa wine producer, Podere Scurtarola, began cultivating old vineyards with the variety (much the same way that the estate helped revive Barsaglina). Historically a blending variety, Scurtarola released the first varietal Vermentino nero in 1989.[1]

Most plantings of Vermentino nero are found in the northwestern Tuscan provinces of Massa-Carrara and Lucca.

In 2000, there were 199 ha (492 acres) of Vermentino nero planted in Italy, nearly all of it in the provinces of Massa-Carrara and Lucca in Tuscany. The grape is an authorized variety in the DOC wines of Candia dei Colli Apuani in Massa-Carrara, Colline Lucchesi in Lucca and Colli di Luni in Liguria.[1]